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If anything, the folks from Rookie’s Coffee Shop had most certainly been one of the names synonymous with specialty coffee in the Alexandra Village neighbourhood; having only been established in 2022, these folks have since rose to being quite a prominent name in the local coffee scene. Rookie’s Coffee Shop had moved out of the original space that it used to occupy at 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1 very recently, though the folks behind the establishment seems to have been pretty fixed to have Rookie’s Coffee Shop still operate within the vicinity; their new premises being at 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1 just right across their previous space — this also makes them situated directly across from ABC Birds Centre (i.e. the store notable in the area to sell pet birds). The new Rookie’s Coffee Shop space is bigger than the previous one, though attempts of maximising the seating area indoors is noted with the diagonally-positioned espresso counter. While Rookie’s Coffee Shop at its previous location can be described as more basic, the new location definitely comes with some street-style vibes — the prominent use of red bricks here gives the establishment a slightly industrial look when matched against the wooden furnishings amidst the vibrant orange that is a constant element in their branding. Sticking to what they do best, Rookie’s Coffee Shop’s main offerings still centre around their specialty coffee — this includes hand-brewed filter coffee as well as espresso-based coffee; there are also the special concoctions that they had offered at their original spot which are listed in the “E-Z” category on the menu. For those looking for a light bite to go along with their coffee, the same list of bakes comprising of the Chocolate Chip Cookie, Brownie and Lemon Bar are all still available at their new location.
The Iced Jelly White is one of their special concoctions that is listed on the “E-Z” category; this is essentially a spruced up version of the Iced White that actually comes with coffee jelly. We have had been to Rookie’s Coffee Shop for a number of times and this item is by far a favourite for us to order — coming unsweetened, the Iced White comes with a good balance of milk against the coffee; the coffee coming with an earthy and roasty flavour profile that gives just quite the kick that we would like out of an iced cuppa. The coffee jelly is also unsweetened; coming in short bits, a sip from the straw guarantees a good proportion of both the Iced White and the jelly at the same time — the jelly providing a soft, jiggly texture that doesn’t require much of a bite with that very slight note of black coffee that helps to further enhance the flavours just by a touch. Given how the Iced Jelly White was, it does seem that the item is likely inspired by that of the grass jelly soy milk that one can find at hawker centres especially; the physical appearance and textures of the drink bearing a striking resemblance to the said drink.
We have never had luck with their Lemon Bars ever since our first visit made to their previous premises and this was pretty much the same even on our first visit to their new premises — found ourselves settling for the Chocolate Chip Cookie that is warmed up in the oven upon order. The warmed cookie was a treat to have on its own — absolutely crusty with nibs of melted chocolate chips that ooze from within; not too dense, soft or cakey, and is a very well-made standard cookie that pairs especially well with a hot Black. A spot with an emphasis on specialty coffee, Rookie’s Coffee Shop had basically proven itself being a spot run by humble folks that are always ready to strike a conversation with their patrons, and also being folks that know their craft well — all with the mind of being a space for the community be it residents in the area or coffee-loving folks around. Needless to say, Rookie’s Coffee Shop is a spot that we would be still thinking about when we are around the Alexandra Village neighbourhood if in need of a cuppa; would like to congratulate these folks on the opening of their newest premises, and wishing them all the best for what is to come!
Interesting idea in the works, stay tuned! We had the pleasure of being their guinea pig haha
PSA bakes come in on Thursday, sat still have but sun maybe won't have. Plan your trip wisely
The lemon curd was great, it's soft and sharp but there's this strange metallic taste. The base was solid too, it's got a textbook cookie and butter fragrance
Overall it's a must try if not for the metallic taste.
Previously from @kurasusg & @thecommunitycoffee, the owner + barista of @rookies.coffee also clinched the title of Singapore Aeropress Champion!👏
👉Bandung Espresso (Iced) - SGD6.50
Well-balanced, fragrant & not bitter at all.😬
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍Rookie’s Coffee Shop
124 Bukit Merah Lane 1 01-144, S150124
🚇#widQueenstown
Glad to have finally headed down to Rookie’s Coffee Shop after a couple of times when they intended trip just kept getting axed due to other plans that just happened out of the blue whenever I wanted to make a visit. Situated at Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Rookie’s Coffee Shop is actually situated along the same row of shops as Lina’s Confectionery (their Kueh Salat is to die for) and KEK Seafood (aka Keng Eng Kee Seafood — my absolute favourite for Coffee Pork Ribs); the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop sorta reminds me of a vibe similar to that of Prodigal Roasters meets Double Up Coffee if you may, especially with its clean aesthetics with that slightly funky, playful and laid back vibes. Rookie’s Coffee Shop is that sort of space meant for the serious coffee lover — whilst offering espresso-based coffee, there is a heavy emphasis on coffee served using the Aeropress; so much that there are actually more choices of beans for such coffee as opposed to their espressos-based offerings. Those looking for something to munch on can opt for either the Lemon Bar or the Chocolate Chip Cookie — the only two food items that they serve.
Opting for the Lemon Bar, the Lemon Bar comes in well-sized square that comes with lemon curd, and a base that is pretty much akin to that of the crumbly New York-style cheesecake base at the bottom. Reckon this would have worked especially well with the Black and the Aeropress coffees — the lemon curd’s punchy zing definitely did provide quite a kick, while the crumbles gave that nice textural contrast against the smooth cure; all that with a slight buttery touch. They were brewing their espresso-based coffee using beans roasted by Little Big Coffee Roasters; a local roastery that also runs a cafe at Biopolis. Using single origin beans from Panama, the White here was especially well-brewed; smooth and creamy, whilst carrying a light body and an earthy flavour profile that works as a gentle, leisurely cuppa for the mid-day wind-down.
Rookie’s Coffee Shop is pretty much a hidden gem; one of those that serves a pretty mean cuppa in a neighbourhood where there are a few cafes in existence across several estates, though only few with such a strong emphasis on the execution of their coffee. No doubt this spot wouldn’t be a haunt for those looking for hot food and comforting brunches that attracts the typical cafe lovers, but this is definitely somewhere one can go to for a serious cuppa in a light-hearted, friendly and neighbourhoodly setting with a short chit-chat with the barista as you wait for your order to be completed. A spot that I actually would keep in mind to visit when I am in the area again; wishing the folks behind Rookie’s Coffee Shop all the best in what is to come!
